Max analyses Portimao: 'Slipping and sliding'

Published on 23 October 2020 by Stefan Meens

After the first day of the Portuguese Grand Prix, Ziggo Sport’s Olav Mol caught up with Max Verstappen to discuss Friday practice.

The Portimao track looks like a great track to drive a Formula 1 car. Max: “When I was here in January, I thought it was an amazing circuit. But they’ve resurfaced it and now there is a lot less grip. You just keep sliding. If you want to drive into a corner a little bit faster, the car just steps out. That’s not a lot of fun.”

In the first practice session, Max spent a chunk of time in the garage. “Yeah, I used a floor for the 2021 car, so with a lot less downforce.”

Did you lose a lot of time due to Gasly’s red flag? “Absolutely, especially with a red flag that lasts so long. It’s the same for everyone, but far from ideal.”

What was the conclusion after you and Lance Stroll visited the stewards after your collision? “At the stewards you hear the other side of the story. I was told he was on a fast lap, so I went straight after him, expecting him to move to the right once he had set his time. But he was still in a warm-up lap, because he struggled to get the tyres up to temperature.”

“Obviously, I didn’t know that. I came alongside him, expecting him to lift off. He didn’t realise I was next to him, at least that’s what he told the stewards. Then we collided. It was very unfortunate, but at the time I didn’t know the full situation.”

Looking ahead to qualifying and the race, what is a realistic target? “Normally we’d aim for P3. I do think the Mercedes are stronger here, especially on a track where you need rear grip and where the car easily steps out. They’ll be strong.”

“But with this track surface and potential rain on Sunday, that’s not something to look forward to. But in the end, it will be the same for everyone. Maybe I can make a bit of a difference when it’s really slippery.”

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